Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has offered a tearful apology to Wataru Endo for the decision which led to the Liverpool midfielder’s international retirement.
Endo spent three months on the sidelines after foot surgery, with his primary focus on returning to fitness in time for the World Cup.
But after being named in Japan’s squad for the tournament and travelling, the 33-year-old was then forced to withdraw and subsequently announced his retirement from international duty.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of their Group F opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, Moriyasu revealed it was his decision to cut Endo.
“Overall, the medical staff and I shared the opinion that it would be difficult for him to play at 100 percent,” he told reporters.
Wataru Endo, Japan. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Based on my own observations of his rehabilitation, I made that judgment.”
Asked how Endo reacted when he was informed he would be dropped from the squad, Moriyasu said: “I had no time to anticipate his reaction when I told him he would not be part of the team.
“I only thought, ‘I am saying something truly terrible to this player’.
“While I cannot know Endo’s true feelings, in terms of his demeanour, he listened calmly. We had a composed conversation.”
DOHA, QATAR - Sunday, November 27, 2022: Japan's Wataru Endo during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Japan and Costa Rica at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Costa Rica won 1-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Moriyasu is reported to have spoken with a trembling voice and with tears in his eyes as he continued: “Not only did we hurt Endo, but we also caused pain to his family, who cherish him, the supporters, and many others.
“I feel deeply sorry and would like to apologise.
“However, I have never lost respect for the player. I have always treated players with that respect.
“In making this decision, I did not forget my respect for the player, as I acted with the team and Japan in mind.”
Wataru Endo: Liverpool Minutes by Season
|2023/24|2024/25|2025/26|
|---|---|---|---|
|Manager|Jurgen Klopp|Arne Slot|Arne Slot|
|Apps|44|32|12|
|Minutes|2848|865|455|
|Avg. Mins|64.7|27.0|37.9|
* Data represents all competitive club competitions.
Endo earned 73 caps for his country in 11 years, becoming captain in 2023 and wearing the armband through to the unfortunate decision when ended his career with Japan.
He will now follow the World Cup as a supporter and can be expected to report back for the start of pre-season with Liverpool.
Those early weeks at the AXA Training Centre could also prove decisive when it comes to his future under Andoni Iraola, with Endo entering the final year of his contract and linked with an exit.